Stephan Joubert, DGB Group Viticulturist, says that DGB has a very strong terroir-driven approach to securing excellent quality grapes for its premium brands including Boschendal, Bellingham, Franschhoek, and Brampton. “Our approach is to be very precise in the site selection of our vineyards to ensure we make fine wines which have a rich sense of place.”
“We have always been a big believer in the Elgin terroir and we launched the Appellation Series Elgin range in 2012 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. These premium wines are available on allocation only and have recently received numerous prestigious awards. As one of the coolest wine growing areas in SA, the higher altitude and close proximity to the ocean results in regular cooling afternoon breezes producing some amazing and unique wines. Sourcing grapes from Elgin has always been an important part of our premium strategy.”
Boschendal has been sourcing from the spectacular Highfield Farm – which offers sweeping views over the Elgin Valley – for more than 10 years. Stephan Joubert further explains that there are plans to plant more Chardonnay on the Highfield site in the next year – an important step towards preserving the exceptional wines which are produced from this valley. The total area under vine in Elgin is reducing each year as it is more profitable to farm with apples and other fruit. This will only be changed when more wineries manage to sell their ultra-premium wines from cool sites like Elgin at higher prices.
Joubert says, “We are committed to preserving and protecting unique vineyards like this to enhance Boschendal’s position as a leading premium producer ”
The Elgin Valley is most famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but also makes excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Shiraz. Boschendal plans to extend the Appellation Elgin range with a Merlot in 2018 and a Shiraz 2019.